Continuous compression implants (CCIs) are small memory alloy bone staples that can provide continuous compression across a fracture site, which change shape due to temperature changes. Reviews of CCIs in orthopaedics have documented their use in mainly foot and ankle surgery, with very limited descriptions in trauma. They could be beneficial in the management of complex or open injuries due to their low profile and quick insertion time. The aim of this case series were to clarify the use of CCIs in modern day limb reconstruction practice. This was a single centred study looking retrospectively at prospective data for patients who were treated for an acute fracture or non-union with a CCI between September 2019 and May 2023. Primary outcome was to determine the function and indication of the CCI as judged retrospectively and secondary outcomes investigated unplanned returns to theatre for infection or CCI failure.Introduction
Materials & Methods
Revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) in the presence of femoral defects can be technically challenging. Reconstruction with long stems is widely accepted as the standard. However long stems can be difficult to insert and can compromise distal bone stock for future revisions. The aims of this study were to identify whether there was a difference in survival and outcomes following rTHA using a long versus standard or short femoral stem. A comprehensive systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Chochrane Library and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria were (i) adult patients >18 years; (ii) randomised controlled trials, joint registry, or cohort studies; (iii) single or staged rTHA for Paprosky 1–3B femoral defects. Exclusion criteria were (i) mixed reporting without subgroup analysis for revision stem length; (ii) ex-vivo studies. Screening for eligibility and assessment of studies was performed by the authors. Out of 341 records, 9 studies met criteria for analysis (including 1 study utilising joint registry data and 1 randomised controlled trial). Across studies there were 3102 rTHAs performed in 2982 patients with a mean age of 67.4 years and a male: female ratio of 0.93. Revision prostheses were long-stemmed in 1727 cases and short or standard in 1375 cases with a mean follow up of 5 years (range, 0-15 years). On subgroup analysis the use of a long cemented stem compared to a long cementless prosthesis was associated with fewer complications and periprosthetic fracture in older patients. Survivorship was 95% with short stems compared to 84% with long stems at 5 years. Moderate quality evidence suggests that in rTHA with Paprosky type 1-3B femoral defects, the use of a short or standard stem can achieve comparable outcomes to long stems with fewer significant complications and revisions. Using a shorter stem may yield a more straightforward surgical technique and can preserve distal bone stock for future revision.
The Valgus knee in total knee Arthroplasty, is considered a more demanding procedure, often with ligament balance a greater challenge than seen with neutral or Varus knees. It has also frequently been suggested that prostheses with higher levels of constraint be used to avoid late-onset instability. Various lateral release techniques have also been suggested in the literature. This study is aimed at assessing the outcomes of an unconstrained, rotating platform designed prosthesis, the LCS, using our technique, in the management of severe valgus deformity. 44 knees in 42 patients with a pre-operative valgus deformity of more than 10 degrees were included in our retrospective series. We analyzed the radiographs for the degree of correction, the angle of tibial tray implantation, and femoral implantation angle, tibial slope, as well as the presence (or degree) of lift off and any complications were noted. In this group, 7 had a Valgus deformity of greater than 25 degrees, with a mean Valgus deformity of 17,36 degrees. The mean age at operation was 65. Clinical and radiological analysis was done Pre-hospital discharge and again post-operatively 6 weeks.Background and Purpose of Study
Methods
Historically, anterior decompression followed by posterior fusion has been the surgical management of choice in spinal tuberculosis. Due to theatre time being at a premium, we have evolved to performing anterior only debridement, allograft strut reconstruction and instrumentation for tuberculosis in the adult thoracic spine. The aim of this study is to review the safety and the efficacy of this treatment. Twenty-eight adult thoracic tuberculosis patients were identified where anterior only surgery had been performed. These were all in the mid-thoracic spine as circumferential surgery is still favoured in thoracolumbar disease. The surgery was performed by a single surgeon at a tertiary hospital. Following transthoracic aggressive debridement, allograft humeral shafts were cut to size and inserted under compression and the spines instrumented with the use of screw-rod constructs into the body above and below. A retrospective review of clinical notes and radiological studies was performed.Aim:
Methods:
